Perhaps the Canadian Curling Association can consider going a bit off the program.

Tuesday, the CCA announced Cathy King will be inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame at its annual meeting in June 14.

“Too bad,” said King about the timing. “It would have been nice to do it in Edmonton.”

Considering King will be in watching the Brier starting Saturday in Rexall Place, perhaps a little tribute in front of her hometown crowd would be in order.

In 2012, King became the first curler in history to win a Canadian junior women’s championship (1977-78), a Scotties championship (1998) and then the Canadian senior title.

King found out she was going to be honoured with her induction into the Hall of Fame a couple of weeks ago, a week before the Alberta senior championship.

“That was just special,” she said about getting the phone call while she was taking some down time in Palm Springs.

“I was just tickled pink. I had no inkling it would happen at this time. I thought at least they would wait until I’d retire from the game. It’s quite an honour.”

King knows all too well that curling is a team sport and gave some kudos to the 11 teammates on those four championship teams.

“It feels weird because it’s a team sport and I’m continually thankful for those teammates I’ve had over the years.”

One of them, Maureen Olson, was the only player that was with King on two teams.

“It was kind of neat because she was in Palm Springs when they phoned me,” said King, demonstrating the lifelong friendships she’s built with members of her championship teams. “She hasn’t even curled for the past 20 years.”

It takes a special type of person to keep going for as long as King has. King appeared at seven Scotties, once as Team Canada in 1999 and six times wearing Alberta colours.

“When I think that those first championships were back in the ’70s, it makes me feel old,” said King. “It’s hard to believe I’ve been going to Canadian championships for five decades. It takes many years of hard work and practice.

“You still have to have a passion for the game. Some people are lucky enough to still have their health and have a great supporting cast.”

The last bit of her historical journey earned her a trip to the world championships, being held in Summerside, P.E.I. the week after the Brier.

Her 93-year-old dad Gord plans to be there, supporting King in his own unique way as he has all his life.

“I don’t know if any of my senior team even realized what they were going to accomplish,” said King. “I never even knew I might be the first one to do it, but some of the Scotties winners who won senior never did win a Canadian junior championship. I would have thought somebody else would have done it before me.”

After losing her bid to repeat as Alberta senior champion, losing the final to long-time rival Deb Santos last Sunday, King was back in Palm Springs when her induction was officially announced yesterday.